Published: August 2, 2009 6:57 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight August 2009 Edition
ZenBeer
ZenBeer
Adam Tanner is a one man musical arsenal known as ZenBeer. The Canadian artist has managed to create something that is magical and mystifying. The track "Whisper in the Sea" is a wonderful piece that illustrates the artist's enormous talents especially when it comes to string basses. That is the best part to his music; the mastery of 4, 5, 6 and 9-string basses. Add the skills of live looping and sample manipulation and fans will enjoy the music from ZenBeer. Adam recently spoke with our Webzine about his music in this special interview.
Isaac: What has been the best part of 2009 for you musically so far?
Adam: Just noticing my style evolve more and more. I spent a lot of 2008 working on the latest album, and already things have changed since then. You learn things; you pick up new skills… things like that. It's just interesting when you hear it coming out in the new music you do. I've also been having a lot more fun doing shows lately - nowadays, I let my personality come out a lot more onstage, and it makes for an entertaining time.
Isaac: What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?
Adam: Releasing that third CD - "Bass, the Universe and Everything"! It was an awesome show and a lot of fun.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Adam: Here in Ottawa it's a relatively small but close-knit scene. There's really not anybody else doing the solo bass thing around here, but just about everybody knows just about everybody regardless. I think that for such a small scene, there are a lot of really talented musicians.
The jam scene has changed a lot though, which is too bad. Back in the day you could find jam sessions just about every day of the week - not so much anymore. That's where a lot of guys cut their teeth - that's how you learn, by just getting out there and jamming with other folks. That scene seems to have died out a bit, which is too bad.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Adam: It's hard to pick just one. You really never know when you'll get that odd gem where the audience really gets what you're doing. It's a really great feeling to know that the people are really there and sharing the same vibe that you are.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Adam: Well, solo bass is a pretty new thing overall. For most people, I think the idea started in '96 when Victor Wooten released his first solo album "A Show of Hands". It blew everyone away - they couldn't believe all that was just one bass. Hearing that album was probably what cemented the idea of doing solo bass in my head.
Then in the early 2000's I heard guys like Michael Manring and Steve Lawson doing solo bass with loopers - like, play one part, like a melody, loop it and play a groove over top. Lots of layers! Anyway, by then the technology was there to REALLY allow the bassist to do the one-man band thing. And when I heard those guys, I thought, yes - that's how I want to do it. Not just crazy chops like Victor Wooten was doing, but looping all kinds of layers.
So, all that to say, other solo bassists have been my greatest influence to do what I do. I try to take from everything I listen to, but without having heard those other guys doing solo bass; I would never have believed it possible. There are loads of other musicians I admire for various other reasons too, of course.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Adam: Like I said, solo bass is still a relatively new thing, so in a lot of ways it's still a novelty to a lot of people. I'd love to be able to help take it past that. It's an instrument with so much unfulfilled potential.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Adam: Not too long ago I got to see SMV - Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. Three of the greatest bassists ever, all on one stage. It was a tremendous show. I would have loved to somehow be a part of that - that would have been truly amazing.
I'm also a huge King Crimson fan, so I think it would be cool to jam with Robert Fripp and just about any incarnation of KC.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Adam: It's solo bass that doesn't sound like solo bass! More specifically - it's a bit of everything - ambient, groove, funk, prog, plus whatever else. It's groove and melody-oriented, it will make you feel, and it's all done on bass. Everything.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Adam: Well, there seems to be a few different viewpoints. Some people dig the vibe and the feel, some people dig the novelty, and some people like the pyrotechnics - they can't believe it's all just bass. Some people say they just wanted to see what the heck I'm going to do next!
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Adam: First and foremost, check out the ZenBeer website at www.zenbeerbass.com!
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Adam: I just want to keep doing what I'm doing, spreading the solo bass word! Hopefully, I'll be able to get out there and do that as much as I can. And I do hope the music continues to evolve for the better while I do it.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Adam: Everyone's been super awesome and supportive. I'm lucky to know so many people who have had a positive influence on my life, so thanks! You know who you are.
